OSCE holds brainstorming session on enhancing OSCE efforts to promote tolerance, non-discrimination and dialogue to counter radicalization and extremism

Vienna, 4 February 2015 – At the initiative of OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, delegations of OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation held an open-ended brainstorming session on ways to strengthen OSCE efforts to promote tolerance, non-discrimination and dialogue and to mobilise its tools and resources to address the growing challenge of violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism.

Convened on the occasion of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week (2-8 February, 2015), the debate is intended to contribute to preparations for the upcoming OSCE Security Days conference on “Promoting Dialogue to Advance Tolerance and Prevent Radicalization”, tentatively set for May 2015 in Vienna.

The objective of the brainstorming was to promote an inclusive and open discussion among participating States and OSCE Partners to generate ideas and a shared vision of how to increase the effectiveness of the international response to violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, and to better define the role and added value of the OSCE in addressing these challenges.

The role of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue; media and education; engagement with women and youth; and the need to mobilize efforts to improve outreach to citizens and streamline ongoing efforts at the high and grass root levels, were among the issues addressed at the session.

“The recent surge in terrorist violence in OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation points to the urgency of addressing the root causes of intolerance and extremism in our societies”, said Zannier.  “As an inclusive platform for dialogue, the OSCE is the right forum for an in-depth, unprejudiced and practical debate to find constructive approaches to this shared challenge.”